Pittsburgh Steelers: Assessing the special teams this summer

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be heading to training camp in a few weeks. How are Mike Tomlin’s special teams looking these days?

Welcome to Part 9 of this 10-part series for NFL Spin Zone. While the Pittsburgh Steelers are still in the interim between minicamps and training camp, we’ve been examining the roster in the Steel City. Thus far, there has been an in-depth look at both the offensive and defensive units. Now it’s time to take an in-depth glance or two when it comes to the special teams.

Frankly, it’s an area that was somewhat quiet in 2016. There weren’t a lot of big plays from the return teams. Wide receiver Sammie Coates took back a kickoff 44 yards and it proved to be the longest play by these units.

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On the other hand, Pittsburgh’s coverage units were below average. While they didn’t allow a score, they were ranked 24th and 30th in the NFL in opponents’ punt and kickoff average, respectively.

Punter Jordan Berry finished 17th in the league in gross average (45.6) and 15th in net (40.2). He put 25 of his 68 kicks inside-the-20. Finally, placekicker Chris Boswell missed one game but still scored 99 points. The reliable performer connected on 21-of-25 field goal attempts, with two of his four misses coming from 50-plus yards.

Evaluation:

The addition of Knile Davis could be a big-time pickup if he can boost the team’s kickoff return game. Berry is steady but unspectacular, and Boswell has proven to be a very effective specialist.

Next: NFL 2017: Each team's biggest question before training camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers do need to shore up their kick and punt coverage and avoid those lapses that have seen them allow the costly big play. The latter could use a real standout and emotional force to achieve their goal of improvement.